TAIASINA TU’IFUA has emerged as Newcastle Falcons’ latest transfer target, with the Samoan international in talks with the Kingston Park club.

The 26-year-old has flown on to the Falcons’ radar after earning his first two test caps in the past fortnight, making the Chiefs Super 15 back-rower now eligible for a British work permit.

Tu’ifua’s surprise call-up was a bonus to Newcastle bosses still reeling from a succession of knock-backs from their back-row targets.

Hendre Fourie, Julian Salvi and Hendro Scholtz are those to have seen moves to Kingston Park fall through.

Samoan skipper George Stowers, ironically an ex-Newcastle target himself before leaving London Irish for Welsh side Ospreys, was due to start for the Pacific island nation against Japan two weeks ago.

However, a late injury to the experienced No 8 saw Tu’ifua come in at the last minute for his test debut in the 34-15 Tokyo triumph.

Playing his provincial rugby with Counties Manukau in New Zealand, Tu’ifua’s international debut showed sufficient promise he kept his place in the side which took on Fiji last weekend in Lautoka, even with Stowers restored to full fitness.

A busy week for the Samoans sees them facing a further two internationals in just five days. They tackle Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup tomorrow before meeting Australia on Sunday in Sydney.

The 6ft 6in forward would bring no shortage of physicality to the Kingston Park ranks, having also plied his trade in the second row on occasion.

Vacancies in the Falcons back-row have emerged following the departure of Brent Wilson, the retirement of Ed Williamson through injury and the continued uncertainty surrounding England under-20s captain Alex Gray.

Wilson has already re-emerged at his former New Zealand province of North Harbour.

Gray’s future remains continually unclear as the Falcons wait to hear back from him on their offer of a new one-year contract.

Argentina flanker Leonardo Senatore is one name known to have been under consideration by head coach Alan Tait, who has already brought 13 new signings through the door during the off-season.

Samoa centre Jamie Helleur remains the highest profile of those to date, with the former Auckland and Blues man expected to carry much of the creative midfield burden.

New South Wales three-quarter Ryan Shortland is also among the club’s new attacking weapons.

Gloucester scrum-half Jordi Pasqualin and La Rochelle’s South African full-back Greg Goosen can also both expect to be given game time in the early months of the campaign, which gets under way in early September.